Liggett books final spot

SUBSTITUTE Gary Liggett booked Glenavon’s place in the final of the Mid-Ulster Cup with an injury time winner against Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Tuesday night.

After a largely dull affair the striker seized on a long ball forward and fired his effort into the bottom corner to set up a final date with either Loughgall or Annagh United who meet tonight (Wednesday) at Holm Park.

Glenavon enjoyed much of the first half possession against the Swifts but, as had been the case three days earlier against the same opposition, scarcely looked able to break down the defence and were restricted to hopeful efforts.

Indeed it took until the 12th minute for the first shot on target, which was a looping James Costello header and was routinely claimed by 15 year-old goalkeeper, Conor Brennan who is reportedly being tracked by English Championship side Leicester City.

Shea Campbell and Ryan Harpur then fired 20-yard efforts over the bar whilst at the other end Fergal McAliskey fluffed an effort from the edge of the area.

However, the away side continued to press for the opening goal and Willo McDonagh worked Brennan on 31 minutes when his low effort from the right side of the box had to be stopped.

Soon after, James Costello squandered the best chance of the half when Shea Campbell dispossessed Fergal McAliskey and found the striker free in the area. However, his low effort was well tipped away by Brennan before being cleared to safety.

Shortly before the break, Trevor Molloy showed some trademark skill to skip between two defenders but his ensuing shot was well saved by the fledgling goalkeeper.

Time was left before half-time for McAliskey to fire a rifled 30 yard effort narrowly over the bar to remind Glenavon that Dungannon’s threat hadn’t diminished completely.

The second half began in largely the same fashion as the first with Glenavon enjoying much possession but creating few chances.

Substitute, Ryan Murphy had the first effort on target of the second period after he seized on a defensive error, went past his marker and unleashed a low shot which was well saved at the near post.

Gary Liggett was then introduced to the action on 65 minutes and could have opened the scoring just three minutes later. Trevor Molloy released the striker who fired an effort across goal and just in front of Joe Finlay who couldn’t quite connect to fire home.

Molloy was again the provider for Glenavon’s next chance when he crossed to the back post where Finlay’s looping header was well saved. Molloy then tried an effort of his own but his 25-yard free-kick fell narrowly wide of goal.

As the game ticked towards the 90 minute mark, Shea Campbell was played in by Molloy and should have at least worked the young ‘keeper but sliced a poor left foot effort well wide of goal.

With extra time beckoning and the game deep into injury time, a long ball forward found Gary Liggett on the edge of the box and the forward smashed a low half-volley into the bottom corner to send Glenavon through the final and delight the travelling supporters.

DUNGANNON SWIFTS: Brennan, Hamilton, McMinn, Ferguson, McAliskey, Callagher, D. Murphy, Arkinson, L Murphy, Forker, Stretton

GLENAVON: Plummer, Shannon, Haughey, Magee, Gracey (Turkington 46), Campbell, McDonagh (Murphy 52), Harpur, Molloy, Costello (Liggett 65), Finley

SUBS: McMahon, Carvill